Dietitian

Dietitian

Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Northridge, California

As our Clinical Dietitian, you will provide expert nutrition care, developing and implementing individualized plans to improve patient health outcomes. Every day you will clearly communicate nutritional data across all systems and participate in health team meetings as the resident nutrition expert. To be successful in this role, you will integrate robust clinical expertise with empathetic, evidence-based care, consistently adhering to professional standards and fostering effective communication with patients and health care teams.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

• Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools resulting in nutrition-related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher levels of care.
• Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s). Provides customized nutrition education to patients and/or families and caregivers. Works within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and re-screens patient nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follow up with patients as needed.
• Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription unique to patient's specific needs, in accordance with physicians' orders. Monitors and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record.
• Collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Services team to enhance patient experience. This includes participating in test trays, menu reviews, periodic auditing of tray-line for accuracy of diet orders, validating menu compliance with the facility Diet Manual Handbook and Nutrition Care Manual (NCM), supporting with patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, interns, etc.), maintaining communication with patients, staff, and guests and providing excellent customer service. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians, etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy.

Job Requirements

• Knowledge of therapeutic approaches and principles of Medical Nutrition Therapy and the ability to plan, develop, and deliver nutritional interventions, as well as provide individualized dietary consultations.
• Knowledge of and ability to assess patients and develop and implement a treatment plan.
• Knowledge of education concepts and techniques; the ability to educate people about food requirements, eating habits, and therapeutic nutrition.
• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with menu planning; ability to plan nutritious and varied meals for patients and staff.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing dietary guidelines; ability to apply these theories to design, develop, and maintain a healthy diet.
• Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service directly or indirectly.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year of experience as a Registered Dietitian; Working experience in an acute care hospital highly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or related field
• Valid registration as a Registered Dietitian

Founded in 1955, Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, heart care, cancer care, and women's health. It is the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley.

Additionally, Northridge Hospital Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center and has been recognized as one of America's 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2026.